How to Distress Bronze

Distressed bronze makes for a rustic addition to your home, and you don’t have to wait a few decades for your new bronze to naturally age on its own. Create a patina on the bronze using store-bought or homemade mixtures that prompt oxidation on the surface of the metal. To further distress the metal, scuff the new finish with a stiff brush or steel wool prior to sealing it with a matte topcoat.

Getting Started

1

Remove the bronze pieces from any furniture they're attached to, if applicable, and move them to a well-ventilated area.

2

Prepare lacquer thinner according to the manufacturer directions on the package if it is not a ready-to-use formula, and then soak the bronze in this solution for one to two hours to remove the high-shine finish on the metal. For large pieces, soak heavy rags in lacquer thinner and wrap them around the bronze, securing them with tape.

3

Remove the bronze pieces from the lacquer thinner and scrub them down with a stiff brush. Rinse them with clean water and let them dry. Proceed to the distressing method of your choice.

Chemical Options

1

Apply a metal darkener in the desired color to the bronze according to package directions. Brown-black products produce a classic aged look, while brown is more subtle, and straight black is more rustic. To achieve green tones, use a green patina product. Apply this coat thick enough so that a visible film develops over the bronze, or according to manufacturer directions.

2

Let the first coat dry and then apply subsequent coats as needed to achieve the desired effect. If indicated by the manufacturer, distress the bronze in between coats with steel wool or a stiff brush. After the final coat, scuff the bronze with steel wool or a stiff brush if desired.

3

Wipe the bronze down with a damp rag to remove any dust or debris, and let it air dry. Apply a thin layer polyurethane topcoat meant for metal to protect the new finish. Let this dry completely before moving the bronze.

Household Supplies

1

Mix an aging solution using equal parts lemon juice, household bleach and distilled vinegar. Add 1 tablespoon of salt for every 6 ounces of solution you make, as an abrasive. For example, if you mix 4 ounces each of the three liquids, making 12 ounces total, add 2 tablespoons of salt.

2

Soak the bronze in this solution for at least 30 minutes. The longer you let the bronze sit, the more aged it will look.

3

Scrub the bronze with a stiff brush or steel wool to further distress it. Rinse the solution off with clean water and let the bronze dry. Finish with a clear polyurethane top coat intended for metal.

Things You Will Need

Protective eyewear

Thick gloves

Lacquer thinner

Plastic container

Metal darkener

Stiff brush or steel wool

Rags

Metal polyurethane topcoat

Natural bristle paintbrush

Lemon juice

Chlorine bleach

Distilled white vinegar

Table salt

Tips

Test your skills out on a scrap piece of bronze, if possible, to perfect your technique before you start this project.

Some patinas and chemical darkeners require that you heat the bronze with a torch before application. Always follow manufacturer directions when distressing bronze.

Use different brush strokes, such as stippling and swirling, to achieve a true, nonuniform aged look.

Use a matte polyurethane topcoat for a realistic aged look.

Wax products to finish the bronze are available instead of polyurethane, if desired. This involves buffing the finished piece with a wax mixture to seal it, preventing further oxidation.

Warning

Work in a well-ventilated area wearing old clothes, protective eyewear and thick gloves when handling harsh chemicals such as lacquer thinner, metal darkener and bleach.

About the Author

Amanda Bell spent six years working as an interior designer and project coordinator before becoming a professional writer in 2010. She has published thousands of articles for various websites and clients, specializing in home renovation, DIY projects, gardening and travel. Bell studied English composition and literature at the University of Boston and the University of Maryland.